More regular train services between Belfast and Dublin begin from tomorrow.
The Enterprise service will now run every hour between Grand Central Station and Connolly Station in what is being hailed as “another huge boost for public transport”.
Translink said that 15 services will operate in each direction from Mondays to Saturdays – a total of 30 running in both directions, up from eight each way previously.
There will also be eight services each way on Sundays – up from six each way previously.
The hourly service follows €25m (£21m) worth of funding, provided by the Irish government from the Shared Island Fund and Irish Department of Transport.
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It represents the most significant expansion of services on the route in over a quarter of a century.
Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd said: “An expanded and improved rail network offers opportunities to drive jobs and growth, stimulate development and regeneration and boost access to services and education. It will also help decarbonise transport and encourage behavioural shift to public transport.
“The introduction of the hourly Enterprise service between Belfast and Dublin will be another huge boost for public transport, the economy and it will improve linkages not only between the two cities but connections along the entire north south rail corridor.
“I am keen that we continue to be ambitious around our rail network and look forward to a future where people across this island, in particular those in rural areas, have greater access to rail travel.”
Irish transport minister Éamon Ryan, said he is “delighted to see the introduction of an hourly-frequency rail service on the Dublin-Belfast line, which has been a priority for both jurisdictions on the island”.
Passengers disembarking at Connolly Station in Dublin from the Dublin/Belfast Enterprise rail link (David Young/PA)
Translink chief executive Chris Conway added: “An hourly Enterprise service is a massive boost for people, communities, and the environment and represents a tremendous opportunity for economic growth.
“We welcome the funding provided by the Government of Ireland, under the Shared Island Fund, and the close cooperation with Iarnród Éireann, which has allowed this expansion to be delivered.”
The new service details are as below.
All trains serve Dublin Connolly, Drogheda, Dundalk, Newry, Portadown and Belfast Grand Central (times with a ~ also serve Lurgan and Lisburn).
Mondays to Saturdays
Belfast Grand Central to Dublin Connolly: 06:00, 07:00*, 08:00, 09:00*, 10:00, 11:00*, 12:00, 13:00*, 14:00, 15:00*, 16:00, 17:00*, 18:00, 19:00, 21:00*
Dublin Connolly to Belfast Grand Central: 05:50*, 06:50, 07:40*, 08:50, 09:50*, 10:50, 11:50*, 12:50, 13:50*, 14:50, 15:50*, 16:50, 17:50*, 18:50, 20:50
Sundays
Belfast Grand Central to Dublin Connolly: 08:05~, 10:05, 12:05, 14:05*, 16:05, 17:05, 18:05, 20:05*
Dublin Connolly to Belfast Grand Central: 08:50*, 10:50, 12:50, 13:50, 14:50, 16:50, 18:50, 20:50*